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September always feels like a little reset.
The kids are back in school, routines start settling down, and before we know it, the holidays will be here. This is a great time to take care of a few things around the house before the busy season gets underway.
Here are 7 things I’d put on your September home checklist:
1. Give your HVAC system some attention
North Texas weather doesn’t exactly let us forget about our air conditioning, but September is a good time to change your filter and make sure your system is ready for the transition into cooler weather.
If your HVAC system has been working overtime all summer, this is also a good time to schedule a tune-up.
2. Check your gutters and downspouts
Take a few minutes to make sure they’re clear of leaves, dirt, and debris and that water can flow away from your home.
It’s a small job that can help prevent bigger headaches when we get those heavy fall and winter rains.
3. Walk around your home—literally
Grab a cup of coffee and take a lap around the outside of your house.
Look for cracked caulk, damaged screens, loose trim, clogged drains, cracked concrete, or anything else that may have gone unnoticed during the summer.
You don’t have to fix everything at once. Just make a list.
4. Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Replace batteries if needed and make sure all of your detectors are working properly.
It’s one of those five-minute tasks that’s easy to put off until you really need them.
5. Give your yard a fall cleanup
Trim back overgrown plants, remove dead growth, clean up flower beds, and check your irrigation system.
A little yard maintenance now can make the transition into fall much easier—and keep your landscaping looking good as the weather cools down.
6. Clean the dryer vent
This one is easy to forget, but built-up lint can restrict airflow and increase fire risk.
If you haven’t had your dryer vent cleaned in a while, September is a good time to put it on the list.
7. Make your “before the holidays” list
This might be my favorite one.
If there’s a project you’ve been saying you’ll get to “someday,” take a look at it now.
Maybe it’s touching up the paint, organizing the garage, replacing a light fixture, or finally tackling that closet.
You still have plenty of time to get it done before holiday guests arrive.
A little maintenance now can save you a headache later.
You don’t need to spend an entire weekend working on your house. Pick two or three things from the list and knock them out.
And if you ever have a question about your home, a project you’re considering, or even what something might mean for your home’s value, I’m always happy to be a resource.
Here’s to a little less on the to-do list and a little more time enjoying your home.
— Hannah
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